When selecting an auto body shop, gathering information about the quality of their work and prices is essential. Doing so can help ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly without cutting corners.
Find out more about a shop’s reputation and customer service by asking friends and family members and scouring online reviews.
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Ask for Recommendations
Most people who have been in an accident or have had their vehicle repaired at some point know a body shop they like. Asking friends, family, or co-workers for recommendations is a great place to start your search. It is worth checking out if they can vouch for a particular shop’s quality of work and professionalism.
Depending on the type of repairs you need, it’s also worth asking whether they will be using new or used parts. This is a big question that will affect the overall cost of your repair.
You should also check out their payment policy. A trustworthy shop should clearly state their acceptable methods of payment and any warranties or guarantees they offer. Also, pay attention to how clean the shop is. If it doesn’t look clean and organized, that is likely a sign that the body shop is disorganized and cuts corners. That is different from the kind of work you want for your car.
Check Online Reviews
It’s not uncommon for auto body shops to take advantage of their customers by overcharging or doing less-than-satisfactory work. This can lead to expensive repairs and damage your vehicle’s safety or resale value.
The internet is a valuable tool in evaluating the reputation of an auto body shop Denver CO. Customer discussion forums can give you a glimpse into how other people’s experiences have been at a particular shop, and you can find before-and-after pictures as well.
It would help if you also checked the body shop’s website to see how they communicate with their customers and their policies for estimates, warranties, and repair outcomes. Avoid relying too much on online estimator tools, which will provide only rough estimates based on what you enter into them. Look for a shop that stands by their work and backs it up with a warranty – this is a sign of confidence and quality.
Get a Written Estimate
Getting a written estimate from all the shops you’re considering is essential. These should detail the vehicle’s condition to be repaired, what parts are needed, and their cost, along with an estimated labor cost. A meager price may indicate that the mechanic is cutting corners, so consider all aspects of your repair before deciding.
You’ll also want to ensure that the shop you choose uses genuine OEM auto parts. Using non-OEM replacement parts can sometimes nullify your car’s warranty. Look for a shop that displays their certifications or credentials on their website and in their office.
Finally, visit the shop in person before selecting it to do the work. Check out the cleanliness and organization of the facility, and pay close attention to how well your questions are answered. Your gut feeling can also be a good indicator of whether or not you’re in the right hands.
Listen to Your Gut
Most people have dealt with an auto body shop at some point, so asking friends, family members, co-workers, and acquaintances for recommendations is a great place to start. A personal recommendation can reassure you that the shop is trustworthy and has quality artistry. However, you should still do your research and check out other options.
Getting online reviews is another way to narrow down your options. Many shops have online reviews on Yelp, Google, and other review sites that can give you a sense of what others think of their work.
Finally, pay attention to your gut instinct. If a body shop makes you uncomfortable, that may be a sign that they aren’t treating their customers somewhat or cutting corners. If they keep playing telephone tag with you or can’t give you a firm due date to pick up your car, that could be a red flag. The best auto body shops are honest and upfront with their customers, so listen to your gut!
